The US Mint's release of Quarters with unique designs for each of our 50 States has been a huge success. Every time an American takes one of these coins from circulation, the govenment has made a profit. And since Bush cannot hope for anything more than a gimmick to nudge the Treasury forward, the program has earned nothing but applause. And I must admit, I do enjoy the gimmick myself.
But what is the Mint to do now that we've used up our finite number of states to appreciate? Find something else to honor:
Among the many provisions in the omnibus spending bill passed by Congress this week is one requiring the United States Mint to produce six new designs for the quarter — one each honoring the District of Columbia and five American territories and commonwealths, including Puerto Rico — after the popular 50 State Quarters program ends next year.
And so, new coins will now be struck with special designs for Puerto Rico, D.C., Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and..... the Northern Marianas Islands.
The legislation was introduced by a Dem, Representative José E. Serrano, a Democrat who represents the South Bronx and is chairman of a House Appropriations subcommittee. I have to wonder if he envisioned a brilliant P.R. coup when he put this new plan forward. After all, can any of us think of the Northern Marianas without recalling the depraved depths to which the GOP Congress sank under the amoral guidance of the indicted Tom Delay? And once the coin hits the streets, can we doubt that the public will again be rightfully reminded of GOP huskster, Jack Abramoff?
For those who may not recall, the Northern Marianas recieved special treatment from the Bush administration because of lobbying and bribery efforts by Abramoff that directly benefitted Bob Ney, Tom Delay, John Doolittle, Richard Pombo and other feloneous Republicans. Perks included free travel, money, meals and, very likely, tropical sexcapades. The Islands businesses, who have a documented history of engaging in slave labor, forced prostitution and employer-mandated abortions, are allowed to use the "Made in the USA" label, despite not being in the US and not adhering to US labor standards for age, overtime pay, safe working conditions or minimum wages.
Its nice to think that the American public will get a handy reminder of the ideals that GOP corruption embraces to carry around in their pockets.
A spokeswoman for the Mint said Thursday that procedures for selecting subjects for the new quarters, and their design, would be posted online once President Bush signed the bill.
It would be a shame to see our unimaginative Dems in DC waste such an opportunity. An opportunity that they may not even realize exists.
So, my question to you is- What design will you offer to the fine folks at the US Mint for the Northern Marianas Island Quarter?